Write the subtraction sentence – up to 18

Key points :

What is Subtraction?

  • Subtraction means taking away some objects from a group.
  • Example: 🍎🍎🍎🍎 – 🍎🍎 = 🍎🍎

Subtraction Sentence

  • A subtraction sentence shows subtraction using numbers and the minus (–) sign.
  • Format: Total – Taken Away = Left
  • Example: 4 – 2 = 2

Subtraction Up to 18

Practice with numbers from 1 to 18.

Example:

  • 10 – 3 = 7
  • 15 – 8 = 7

Using Objects to Subtract

  • Count objects first.
  • Remove some objects.
  • Count what is left.
  • Write the subtraction sentence.
  • Example: 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌 – 🍌🍌 = 🍌🍌🍌 → 5 – 2 = 3

Key Vocabulary

  • Minuend: The total number you start with.
  • Subtrahend: The number you take away.
  • Difference: The number left after subtraction.
  • Example: 12 – 7 = 5 → 12 is minuend, 7 is subtrahend, 5 is difference.

Tips for Writing Subtraction Sentences

  • Always start with the total.
  • Use the minus sign for taking away.
  • Write the equals sign and then the result.
  • Check by counting the leftover objects.

Practice Ideas

Use toys, fruits, or pencils to practice subtraction.

Solve word problems like:

  • “Ravi had 12 chocolates. He ate 5. How many are left?” → 12 – 5 = 7

Try subtraction backward to check: 7 + 5 = 12

Learn with an example

An actress owns 11 pairs of shoes. 7 of those pairs are her favorite color, which is teal. How many pairs of shoes does the actress own that are not teal?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of teal pairs of shoes from the total number of pairs. First, write:

11 − 7

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference between 11 and 7:

11 − 7 = 4

Kimi’s mother wants to make 13 sandwiches for the class picnic. She has already made 7 sandwiches. How many more sandwiches does she need to make?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of sandwiches she has already made from the total number of sandwiches. First, write:

13 − 7

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference between 13 and 7:

13 − 7 = 6

Brandon is working on some maths homework that is due tomorrow. Yesterday, he completed 6 problems. There are 15 problems all together. How many problems does Brandon have left to finish today?

Write a subtraction number sentence that fits the story.

Write a subtraction number sentence. Subtract the number of finished problems from the total number of problems. First, write:

15 − 6

Now complete the subtraction number sentence by finding the difference of 15 and 6:

15 − 6 = 9

Let’s practice!🖊️